Hide The Eyesore Of An Air Vent With A Design Trick That Adds Style And Storage

Raise your hand if air vents are the bane of your design existence. While they're necessary to promote airflow and regulate indoor temperatures, boy, are they ugly. In particular, we're focusing on return air vents. These typically sit close to the ground in the most conspicuous parts of the home (sometimes right in the middle of the entryway for all to see). Yet blocking or covering them entirely isn't an option, as doing so would hinder air circulation, diminishing the whole point of air conditioning. These types of vents require a bit more creativity to hide. This is where a console table saves the day — it's a quick way to freshen up a room, plus draw attention away from the gaping hole in the wall.

Unlike sideboards and dressers, console tables feature an open framework. This means you can keep the vent unobstructed (but less noticeable) beneath the furniture, ensuring air reaches the opening without a problem. Console tables are also slim and don't hog a lot of floor space. Even something as petite as the 31.9-inch-wide Stead Half Moon Console Table would work here, as long as the vent fits in the space underneath. As a bonus, you get to maximize storage space in your home.

If you already have a console table in another room, that's great. If not, thrift stores, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are where the real deals are. Amazon also has plenty of style choices if you prefer something new. You'll want a piece that complements your interior scheme. You don't want the table to scream for too much attention and, in turn, make the air vent below more obvious by association. A piece like the ARTPOWER Console Table would blend right in with a cozy, traditional space. On the other hand, a more modern interior might call for a unit with a sculptural base, such as the Amposei Minimalist Console Table.

A console table is even better if it includes open shelving and drawers to stash away miscellaneous items, from keys and mail to pet supplies and toys. But don't worry if yours doesn't have any — instead, make use of the floor space. One option is to plop a woven basket or two underneath the console table for even more functional storage. Or tuck in a pair of poufs, some decorative boxes, or a stack of books below. These can all help take the spotlight off the air vent yet are easy to move once it's time to clean the cover. Just make sure not to fully block the vent. And finally, decorate the console table to your liking with lamps, flowers, artwork, and personal mementos, depending on where it's located.